This novel consists of a series of stories which are interlinked.Characters in one story appear in another.Manik Mulla is a story teller who is also part of the stories himself.Common theme on all these stories is failure of love due to economic status and caste.The woman characters Jamuna,Lila,Satti face rejection of love in their lives,but move on with their lives.The men characters Tanna and Manik prove to be weak and are not able to take any decision to fulfill their desires.The novel paints the picture of a society divided on basis of economic status and caste,but ends on a positive note with hope of children of these women a better life when they grow up.
Even though novel has a serious tone,there are instances when novelist has used humor in a subtle way to poke fun at societal order.The interlinking of stories is cleverly done and your interpretation of each character differs according to the story in which they appear.The language is poetic and keeps you engaged.
This novel was made into an excellent movie by Shyam Benegal starring Rajit Kapur
My Rating : GOOD
its a really nice novel portraying the middle class morality and struggles. i have rarely scene such an experimental novel in indian lit which makes sense without making it complex. thnx for the review......:)
ReplyDeleteits a really nice novel portraying the middle class morality and struggles. i have rarely scene such an experimental novel in indian lit which makes sense without making it complex. thnx for the review......:)
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